Tandem Breastfeeding with Twins: What I Wish I Knew Before I Tried It
Feeding two babies is a big job—and one of the first decisions you’ll make as a new twin parent. Whether you’re considering breastfeeding, bottles, or something in between, the truth is: there’s no one right way to do it.
One feeding option that comes up often is tandem breastfeeding. Feeding both babies at once and getting that sweet quiet moment of connection. But is it actually doable in the early months? And if so, how?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Tandem Feeding?
Tandem feeding simply means feeding both babies at the same time, most often at the breast. Some mums swear by it. Others try it and find it overwhelming or physically uncomfortable. Like everything with twins, it depends on your babies, your body and the support you have around you.
In my experience, it didn’t go the way I expected, but that doesn’t mean it was a failure. It just looked different than the version I had pictured in my head. (Inside the Twin Guide, I share exactly what worked for us and what didn’t, including how we navigated one baby latching easily while the other struggled.)
Feeding Twins: There Are More Options Than You Might Think
The idea that you have to breastfeed both babies or tandem feed at every session isn’t everyone’s truth. There are many ways to feed twins, and most families end up doing some kind of combination.
Some options parents explore include:
Nursing one twin while bottle-feeding the other
Expressing breastmilk to share feeds
Using formula at night for extra rest
Inside The Two: Twin Guide, I break down all the most common twin feeding paths, along with tips for what to try when things don’t go to plan (which they rarely do).
What Helped Me Most
Tandem feeding takes practice. It’s a skill, not a given. What helped me the most was removing the pressure to do it “right” and focusing instead on what worked that day and for each individual baby. Recognising that my twins had different feeding styles and needs also helped me adapt my style and let them lead the way on what worked for us a whole.
Need a Gentle, Practical Feeding Plan?
If you’re expecting twins or currently in the newborn fog, The Two: Twin Guide is packed with clear, flexible support for feeding options, sleep, routines and how to make it all feel more manageable.
